Mental illness is often spoken about in hushed tones as if the mere mention of it will cause something terrible to happen. This is especially true when it comes to psychosis – a mental illness that leads to a person being unable to recognize reality. Schizophrenia is the most commonly known form of psychosis, but there are actually several different types.
Psychosis is a state where a person loses contact with reality. This can be a very frightening experience for both the person who is experiencing it and those around them. There are many different types of psychosis, but the most common are schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In this article, we will explore the signs and symptoms of psychosis, as well as the different treatments that are available. We will also touch on the topic of how to support someone who is going through a psychotic episode by contacting the Center for Healing and Wellness.
The first step to understanding psychosis is to know the symptoms. These can vary depending on the type of psychosis, but there are some common ones that are seen in all types.
Common symptoms of psychosis include:
Delusions:
False beliefs that the person holds onto despite evidence to the contrary. For example, a person with psychosis may believe that they are being followed by the FBI even though there is no evidence of this.
Hallucinations:
Seeing or hearing things that are not actually there. A person with psychosis may see people who are not really there or hear voices that no one else can hear.
Disordered thinking:
This means that a person’s thoughts are jumbled and don’t make sense. A person with psychosis may have trouble following a conversation or may jump from one topic to another without any connection.
Changes in behaviour:
A person with psychosis may act out in ways that are out of character for them. This can include anything from becoming more withdrawn and isolated to acting out in a violent way.
If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or someone you know, it’s important to seek help right away. Psychotic episodes can be very frightening and confusing, but there is help available.
Everything can be fixed!
Therapy
Treatment for psychosis usually involves a combination of medication and therapy. The type of medication will depend on the type of psychosis, but common ones used to treat psychosis include antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. However, it is always a better idea to opt for natural ways to heal. Therapy can be very helpful in dealing with the symptoms of psychosis and helping the person to understand what is happening.
Practise Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a form of meditation that has been shown to be helpful in treating psychosis. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This can help to ground a person and make them feel more in control of their thoughts and emotions. You can contact The Center for Healing and Wellness to help you with this.
Talk to Someone You Trust
If you are experiencing psychosis, it’s important to talk to someone you trust about what is going on. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or doctor. Talking about your experiences can help you to make sense of them and may even help to reduce the symptoms.
Supporting Someone with Psychosis
If you know someone who is going through a psychotic episode, there are some things you can do to support them.
- The most important thing you can do is to be there for them. Let them know that you are there for them and that you support them. It’s also important to avoid judging them or telling them that their experiences are not real. Remember, to them, they are real and it’s important to respect that.
- You should also avoid trying to convince them to do things that they don’t want to do. For example, don’t try to force them to take medication or see a therapist if they don’t want to. This will only make them feel more resistant and may make the situation worse. Instead, try to offer gentle support and encouragement.
- Finally, it’s important to take care of yourself as well. Supporting someone with psychosis can be emotionally draining, so make sure to practice self-care and reach out for support if you need it.
Everything Will Be Okay – you have us!
Psychosis can be a horrifying experience for both the person who is experiencing it and for those around them. However, with treatment and support, psychosis can be managed and people can live healthy, happy lives. If you are supporting someone with psychosis, know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you, including therapy, mindfulness practice, and talking to someone you trust. For more information or assistance in finding resources near you, please contact Master your mind – Center for Healing and Wellness.